As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Aerospace Engineer in the United States is $79,702 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Entry Level Aerospace Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Level Aerospace Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Aerospace Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Aerospace Engineer | 0-2 years | $79,675 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer II | 2-4 years | $95,651 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer III | 4-7 years | $110,762 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV | 7+ years | $140,139 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $161,847 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Level Aerospace Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 21.59% |
| Technical Support | 2.65% |
| Agile | 1.89% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Strategic Thinking
|
$90,063 |
13%
|
|
Consulting
|
$90,063 |
13%
|
|
Resilience
|
$89,266 |
12%
|
|
Systems Engineering
|
$89,266 |
12%
|
|
Project Management
|
$88,469 |
11%
|
|
Verification and Validation
|
$87,672 |
10%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Level Aerospace Engineers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Level Aerospace Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $81,902 and $85,550).
Entry Level Aerospace Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 2.4% |
| Associates | 3.3% |
| Bachelors | 53.7% |
| Masters | 31.8% |
| Doctorate | 8.2% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Aerospace Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Level Aerospace Engineer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Engineer II | $95,700 | 20% |
| Airport Design Engineer | $72,601 | -9% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer II | $95,690 | 20% |
| Intermediate Engineer | $92,200 | 16% |
Salaries for an Entry Level Aerospace Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $81,458 in 2023 to around $79,797 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Aerospace Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $81,458 |
| 2024 | $81,168 |
| 2025 | $79,797 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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While CEO positions are often cited as the highest paying jobs globally, entry-level aerospace engineers also earn competitive salaries. The salary range for this role typically starts at $79,302, with a mid-level salary of $86,102, and can go up to $92,302. This reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in the aerospace industry.
Getting a job at NASA can be quite challenging due to their rigorous selection process. Applicants need strong academic credentials and relevant experience. For entry-level aerospace engineers, salaries range from $79,302 to $92,302, with a median salary of $86,102, reflecting the competitive nature of these positions.
A good entry-level salary for an Aerospace Engineer in the USA ranges from $79,302 to $92,302 annually, with a median salary of $86,102. This is significantly higher than the general entry-level average, reflecting the specialized skills and education required in this field.
The minimum salary for an entry-level aerospace engineer in the US is $79,302. The average salary is around $86,102, with the potential to earn up to $92,302.
The lowest salary for an entry-level aerospace engineer is approximately $79,302 per year. For those with 0-5 years of experience, the average salary typically ranges from $79,302 to $92,302, with a mid-salary of around $86,102. As experience increases, salary ranges also rise significantly.
An Entry Level Aerospace Engineer at NASA can expect a salary ranging from $79,302 to $92,302, with a median salary of approximately $86,102 per year. This reflects the competitive compensation for engineers starting their careers in this prestigious organization.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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